A while back we asked you for feedback on sustainability at UWE. We are pleased to announce that we have received the results back from the survey you filled in, and would like to share some of the findings with you!

What matters when deciding which University to apply for?

We asked you what factors influenced your decision to apply to UWE. This is what you told us:

Most important (Top 3)

1. Employment prospects after completing the course - 88%

2. How seriously the place of study takes issues affecting students e.g. welfare, cost of living - 83%

3. Reputation of the place of study- 81%

Least Important (Bottom 3)

1. The position of the course in league tables - 60%

2. How seriously the place of study takes its role in environmental issues - 63%

3. How seriously the place of study takes its role in economic, political and cultural issues - 65%

How important is Sustainability to Students?

Your answers highlighted that sustainability is an important issue, that many of you would like to see us promote and integrate into teaching.

84% of students agree/strongly agree ‘Sustainable development is something that places of study/apprenticeships should actively incorporate or promote’

83% of students agree ‘Sustainable development is something which Student’ Union should actively incorporate and promote.’

75% of students agree/strongly agree that ‘Sustainable development is something that ALL course/tutors/teachers/training providers should be required to incorporate within their training.’

66% of students agree or strongly agree that ‘Sustainable development is something they would like to learn more about.’

How well are we doing?

We are pleased to hear that most of you feel that UWE and the SU is moving in a positive direction. We recognise that there is still more to be done.

· 74% of students agreed the Students’ Union at UWE takes action to limit the negative impact it has on the environment and society.

· Only 4 student strongly disagreed with the statement – ‘My Students’ Union takes action to limit the negative impact it has on the environment and society’.

· 78% of students agree UWE takes action to limit the negative impact it has on the environment and society.

· There was a 5% decrease compared to last year in the number of participants who strongly agreed that UWE takes action to limit the negative impact it has on the environment and society.

Thinking about your future...

We asked you what mattered to you when thinking about your career, this is what you told us:

· The primary factor in job selection after university for participating students whether the role will provide them with a good work life balance (77% voted this was important).

·  The following 4 most popular factors were as follows:

· A good starting salary - 73%

· A chance to work in a business / organisation that makes a difference to social and environmental issues. - 68%

· Opportunities to progress quickly - 65%

· How respected the job is – 65%

What you told us

The survey gave you the opportunity to tell us how learning about sustainability and other socio-political issues has impacted you personallly. These are some of the things you said:

“Learning about issues such as social justice, human rights, and ethics has had a meaningful impact on both my personal values and my outlook on the future. It has made me more aware of how my actions, even small daily choices, can affect people and the environment. I've become more conscious about sustainability in my lifestyle, such as reducing waste and being mindful of what I consume. From an academic and career perspective, these lessons have strengthened my interest in pursuing a legal career that promotes fairness and social responsibility. Overall, studying these topics has encouraged me to think critically about global challenges and motivated me to contribute positively to society through my future work.”

“Learning about sustainability has made me more aware of how business decisions affect society and the environment. I now make more conscious choices in my daily life, such as reducing waste and supporting ethical brands. It's also influenced my career goals, as I want to work for companies that prioritise genuine social and environmental responsibility.”​

“The teaching I have received at UWE has been very meaningful to my daily life, such as readings and class activities which really broaden my horizons about views on sustainability, such as food miles, society and governance, etc.”

UWE's Sustainability Strategy

Thank you everyone who filled in the survey. We really value the feedback you provided, and will use it to inform our strategy going forward. If you’d like to know more about what UWE is doing to combat the climate emergency, you can read more about UWE’s 2030 targets and sustainability strategy here.